Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show Press Release

An ocean of activity at The Outdoors Show - The British Underwater Image Festival to be held at The Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show 2006

17-19 March 2006, NEC Birmingham - The Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show 2006, held in the Birmingham NEC from the 17 - 19 March, promises to be a very visual affair. The show places host to the British Underwater Image Festival and is a major event showcasing some of the greatest untapped sources of talent in underwater imagery.

The competition has been designed to incorporate a range of abilities, from professional television documentary makers to first-time photographers. The films will be shown during the event and the best 50 prints will be displayed in a special Go Diving! Show. The six finalists in the film categories will be shown throughout the show, on both the Friday and the Saturday.

For more information please visit www.divemagazine.co.uk / www.theoutdoorsshow.co.uk

Kingston Technology Press Release

Kingston Technology Launches microSD to Support New Smartphones

[12 January 2006]  Kingston Technology, the world’s leading independent memory manufacturer, today announced the launch of its new microSD memory card, as part of its strategy to support the rapidly growing ‘smartphone’ market.

“The coming year will see a dramatic increase in the take up of sophisticated, multifunctional, mobile handsets and Kingston Technology is ready with multiple formats of expansion memory to support these advanced wireless devices,” said Jim Selby, Product Marketing Manager EMEA, Kingston Technology.”

Planet82 Press Release

Planet82 Demonstrates World’s First Image Sensor That Takes Digital Pictures in the Dark, Without a Flash - First Nanotechnology-Based Image Sensor Debuts in the United States at CES

LAS VEGAS, NV—(MARKET WIRE)—01/05/2006—Planet82 Inc., a global leader of nanotechnology, announced today the first U.S. demonstration of its innovative and highly sensitive image sensor, Single Carrier Modulation Photo Detector (SMPD), which uses nanotechnology to enable cameras to take high resolution photos or video in the dark—without a flash.

The world’s first chip of its kind, Planet82’s SMPD image sensor is 2,000 times more sensitive to light than other image sensors. Until now, taking a picture in the dark without a flash or taking a picture of a candle-lit birthday cake without any other light in the room would yield a dark photograph. Planet82 makes it possible to take clear images even when the light level is less than 1 lux (or up to 0.1 lux). One lux is equivalent to the brightness from one candle one meter away in a dark room. Human eyes can barely distinguish images at less than 1 lux.

CompactFlash Association (CFA) Press Release

COMPACTFLASH ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 10th ANNIVERSARY

Progress in CompactFlash® Capacity, Data Rates and User Costs Have Been Amazing Las Vegas NV - January 5, 2006 - The CompactFlash Association (CFA) is celebrating its 10th anniversary and displaying the history of the progress made by CompactFlash cards over the last ten years. CompactFlash maximum interface data transfer rate is currently 66MB/sec. A revision to the CF+ Specification is underway to increase the maximum interface data transfer rate for True IDE and PCMCIA interface modes to 133MB/sec in 2006, while maintaining forward and backward compatibility
with old and new host systems.

DCResource have published their review of the new Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom, a 9 megapixel digital camera with a 4x optical zoom lens equivalent to 32-128mm and an ISO range of ISO 80 to ISO 800.

“Overall, I’d say that the FinePix E900’s photo quality is very good. Photos were well-exposed, with accurate color and good sharpness. Purple fringing levels were a bit higher than I would like to have seen, but I would not consider this to be a problem. The main complaint I have is that fine details get “mushy”—have a look at the grass in this shot to see what I’m talking about. This only gets worse as the ISO goes up, with these two photos as examples. This won’t be a problem for smaller prints, but at 8 x 10 and above you will likely notice this loss of detail. So, how this affects you really depends on what you plan on doing with your photos.”

Website: DCResource - Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom Review

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ByteSector have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S3, a 6 megapixel update of the S1 and S2. The Nikon S3 has a 3x 35-105mm zoom lens and 2.5 inch monitor.

“Getting past the flash issue, the picture turned out pretty well. The colours were realistic and the image was pretty clear. Throughout my entire experience with this camera, the pictures came out pretty well compared to cameras in its class. There were no image defects whether I zoomed in by 3x or didn’t zoom at all. Noise was also practically non-existent. To the novice, there might be no noise at all, but it was pointed out to me by a more experienced photographer that there is a bit of noise. It must be noted though that even though the pictures didn’t have noise, the LCD had its ample share where it was continuously grainy.”

Website: ByteSector - Nikon Coolpix S3 Review

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Apple Press Release

Major Upgrade Features New Versions of iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD & GarageBand and Introduces iWeb

MACWORLD EXPO, SAN FRANCISCO—January 10, 2006—Apple® today announced iLife® ‘06, the most significant upgrade to Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications ever. iLife ‘06 features iPhoto® 6 with blazing performance, new printed books, calendars and cards, and Apple’s innovative new Photocasting™ for sharing photos over the Internet; iMovie® HD 6 with new motion themes for adding spectacular production value to your movies; iDVD® 6 for authoring custom DVDs for today’s widescreen TVs; and GarageBand™ 3, now the complete solution for creating professional-quality Podcasts. iLife ‘06 also introduces iWeb™, a new iLife application that makes it super-easy to create amazing websites with photos, blogs and Podcasts and publish them on .Mac for viewing by anyone on the Internet with just a single click.

Sigma have issued a service notice about an exposure problem which arises when using some of their lenses with the new Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.

Sigma Notice

Notice to end-users using Sigma’s Nikon fitting lenses with D200 camera

To our valued customers,

Combination of new Nikon 200 digital SLR camera with our following products can cause improper exposure. To overcome this we will be supplying a free upgrade to our customers. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to our customers.

Sigma have issued a service notice about compatibility issues with some of its flashguns and the Nikon D200 DSLR.

Sigma Notice

Firmware update notice for Sigma’s Nikon fit flashguns (NA i-TTL version) 

To our valued customers,

Responding to enquiries received recently regarding the Nikon NA-iTTL version of the Sigma EF500 DG Super, Sigma EF500 DG ST and the EM140 DG when used with the Nikon D200 DSLR. We would direct you to the compatibility chart on our website which states that these flashguns do not support either the D2X, D2H or D200 i-TTL system.

Datacolor Press Release

ColorVision Spyder2Express Introduces MacWorld 2006 To Stunning Color at Entry-Level Price Point; Ground-breaking Product With Award-Winning Spyder2 Technology On Display at booth No. 648
Macworld San Francisco 2006

SAN FRANCISCO—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 10, 2006—Datacolor, an internationally known name in color technology, debuts ColorVision(R) Spyder2 Express(TM), an entry-level on-screen color management tool for digital imagers and enthusiasts, at the 2006 Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco’s Moscone Convention Center, January 11 - 14.

According to Datacolor Vice President Brian Levey, the groundbreaking Spyder2 Express leverages the internationally acclaimed ColorVision expertise and Spyder2 technology to meet the color accuracy demands of a digital camera market that is growing in size and sophistication.

Epson America Press Release

New multifunction Epson printer includes fax capabilitiy along with Epson’s DURABrite® Ultra pigment ink for printing beautiful smudge, fade and water resistant images on plain and glossy photo papers

LONG BEACH, Calif., January 10, 2006 – The Epson Stylus CX5800F, which is one of the latest multifunction products geared to the consumer and SOHO market, is now shipping and will be available by the end of the month for under $150 (after $30 mail-in rebate). This product features all the capabilities customers are looking for in a multifunction printer, including fax capability, one-touch color restoration with Epson Easy Photo Fix™ technology, and Epson’s DURABrite Ultra Inks for smudge, fade and water resistant high resolution printing on most types of paper.

CNET have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T9, the latest in Sony’s T-series of shirt-pocket-size digital cameras, is a great tool whether you’re a casual shooter or a more serious photographer. Snapshooters will appreciate the camera’s ease of use, and discerning photographers will appreciate the 6-megapixel model’s above-average image quality and responsive performance. And while a not-so-wide lens and poor red-eye behavior will mar some indoor portraits, any user will love the camera’s 2.5-inch LCD screen, its thin and attractive body, and its image stabilization for keeping low-light pictures sharp. The deal is sweetened by 58MB of internal memory. “

Website: CNET - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member and German website Digitalkamera.de have reviewed the new Kodak Easyshare P880 digital camera. The Kodak Easyshare P880 is an 8 megapixel model with wide-angle 24–140 mm zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

Website: Digitalkamera.de - Kodak Easyshare P880 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DesignTechnica have published their review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.

“This is a terrific D-SLR as one would expect for the price. There’s no getting away from the fact it’s the smallest and lightest full-frame D-SLR available and it delivers superb picture quality. Digital noise is practically a thing of the past. But you’ll pay for the privilege (figure $5K if you’re starting from scratch for a quality EF lens or three and a Speedlight flash). This is a serious commitment and I would have no reservation recommending it if the 5D cost closer to $2,000 for the body instead of three grand.”

Website: DesignTechnica - Canon EOS 5D Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Imaging Resource have posted their review of the Nikon Coolpix 7600, a 7.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format.

“The Nikon Coolpix 7600 rounds out the “x600” line of Coolpix models (other models are the Coolpix 4600 and Coolpix 5600), sporting a 7.1-megapixel CCD and a 3x Nikkor zoom lens using ED glass for improved optical performance. Like the other models in its series, the Nikon Coolpix 7600 features all automatic controls to promote ease of use, and a very small form factor. The Nikon 7600 is very compact, very light weight, and well-suited for shirt pockets. And with its excellent range of user-friendly, almost fail-proof point & shoot exposure modes, the Nikon 7600 should be able to handle just about any shooting situation you care to throw at it.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix 7600 Review

Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 7600 Review

Latest / User Reviews

Hasselblad Press Release

9h January, 2006 - Hasselblad launches the world’s first 39 megapixel DSLR camera, the H2D-39, and a comprehensive line of 39 megapixel camera backs

New products offer professional photographers unprecedented image quality

Hasselblad is creating a new standard of digital image quality for professional photographers with the announcement of a new camera, the Hasselblad H2D-39, and three camera backs based on the combination of Hasselblad’s new, true 39 megapixel CCD sensor and its unique Digital APO Correction (DAC) technology.  This new line of products features the new Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, which takes digital photographic color reproduction to an entirely new level.  The new products also deliver images of unsurpassed sharpness and resolution and at the same time reduce any moiré effect to a minimum – a first in the history of digital photography.

Ricoh UK Press Release

Northampton 2006. January 10th - Ricoh announced today the launch of the Caplio R30 compact digital camera featuring a 5.7x optical wide zoom (28-160 mm in 35 mm camera format) in a trim body only 26mm thick. The new Ricoh Caplio R30 is positioned as a more affordable version of the popular Caplio R3 (Released on November 11, 2005), which featured a 7.1x optical wide zoom lens. Inheriting the Ricoh R3’s unique Double Retracting Lens System, the R30 houses a 5.7x (28-160 mm) wide-angle, high-powered zoom lens in its compact, 26 mm thin body.

Ricoh has historically manufactured products based on the concept of Expandability. In addition to the wide zoom, the new camera achieves increased photographic possibilities, anywhere, by employing an enhanced macro function?Ricoh’s specialty?and anytime by extending the quick response function, a conventional weakness of digital cameras, which contributes to the concept.

Creative UK Press Release

CREATIVE ZEN VISION:M WINS “BEST OF CES” AWARD IN MP3 AND PORTABLE VIDEO CATEGORY AND ALSO WINS OVERALL “BEST IN SHOW” AWARD

Creative Wins “Best of CES” for the Fourth Consecutive Year

January 10, 2006 –Creative (Nasdaq: CREAF) the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet, today announced that the Zen Vision:M portable media player won the “Best of CES” 2006 award in the MP3 and Portable Video category and that it also won the overall “Best in Show” award.  This is the fourth consecutive year that Creative has won a “Best of CES” award.

Sanyo Press Release

SANYO Wins CNET Best of CES Award at 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/—SANYO’s pocket-sized Xacti HD1 High-Definition Digital Media Camera has received a prestigious CNET Best of CES Award in the Digital Photo and Video category. The Best of CES Awards were produced and judged by CNET, who announced the winners Saturday, January 7, at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Selected by CNET’s unbiased, expert editors, winners were recognized as the hottest products in their respective technology categories for their unmatched innovation and creativity, and their ability to excite consumers and make their way into everyday life. CNET’s editors received and reviewed hundreds of entries, and combed the CES show floor for products to consider for the prestigious award.

Snitcher Desk Press Release

The Snitcher Desk is happy to announce the first of what promises to be many front-page exclusives submitted by a member of the public.

A quick-thinking amateur photographer landed a front-page photo exclusive for the New York Post with a snap of Yankees baseball star Derek Jeter and his MTV-veejay girlfriend Vanessa Minnillo. The sale was facilitated by the recently launched public paparazzi website The Snitcher Desk. Armed with a small digital camera, the sharp-eyed Snitcher photographed the couple poolside in Maui, earning him a four-figured sum that is still expected to grow from further sales generated through periodical titles. Not a bad return for a couple of minutes of his time.